Grading all 12 49ers additions in 2017 NFL free agency

The San Francisco 49ers were uncharacteristically active during free agency. General manager John Lynch and coach Kyle Shanahan signed 13 new players since the start of the league year, setting a new precedent after inking matching six-year contracts to start a new regime.

The theme of the first wave of signings was familiarity with Shanahan, his new system and members of his coaching staff. The team is cultivating comfort in the system while trying to establish a winning culture.

Lynch and Shanahan’s first foray into free agency wasn’t flawless, but it included measured additions that should set the team up for success in the future. It was a step in the right direction for a first-time GM and head coach that are learning as they go.

Let’s grade the signings.

Brian Hoyer, QB
Contract: 2 years, $12 million

The 49ers entered free agency without a quarterback on the roster. Hoyer was the team’s first target. He started five games for the Bears last season before fracturing his left, non-throwing arm. Hoyer (6-2, 215) completed 67-percent of his passes for 1,445 yards, six touchdowns and no interceptions.

(Photo: Stacy Revere-Getty Images)

Before his recent stints with the Bears and Texans, Hoyer, spent 2014 with the Browns with Shanahan as his offensive coordinator. Hoyer, 31, knows the system and gives the team a solid starting option until a more permanent solution presents itself.

He’s playing under a modest contract that presents little to no downside for the team. Hoyer can help develop other players on offense while San Francisco keeps an eye out for its next franchise quarterback – either in coming drafts or free agency in 2018, when Kirk Cousins and Jimmy Garoppolo could become available.